Marrakech is famous for many things – the Souks and the Night Market of Djemaa-el-Fna to name just two – so to stumble across the brightly coloured Majorelle Gardens was a complete surprise. Designed by the expatriate French artist Jacques Majorelle during the 1920’s and 30’s the twelve acres of…
Star Rating: **** Pages: 372 First Published by Headline Publishing Group in 2013 Quiet, reserved, submissive to the life she has adopted as her own – are these all characteristics that lead to murder? This novel is written from the perspective of two people: the unofficial wife, Jodi, a Psychologist…
When people travel to Morocco, and in particular the larger cities, they have an idea in mind of what to expect. Narrow alleyways full to the brim with tiny little stalls that make up the prominent souks: a hive of activity both night and day. Locals exploring the fresh, brightly coloured market produce…
Star Rating: *** Pages: 204 First published in 2005 If you want a laugh-out-loud quick read about a family camping trip this is the book. We follow the adventures of a British family setting off on their annual summer holiday camping exploits in France and from the very beginning you…
Wandering the dusty streets and alleyways surrounding the souks you would be forgiven for thinking that the only attraction in this African city is the allure of some haggling in the covered, crowded corridors lined with enticing stalls, specialising in just about everything you could imagine. Whilst the souks are…
Star Rating: ** Pages: 312 First published in 1991 After years of others raving about Bill Bryson and his novels I took the plunge and added a couple of his titles to my Christmas List. To say I am a little disappointed is probably an understatement. Other than his occasional…
No visit to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the Medersa Ben Youssef, an Islamic school attached to the Ben Youssef Mosque; home to some of the most beautiful art and architecture you will come across whist in Morocco. Once one of the largest Theological Schools in North…
During the 21st Century Marrakech has become the hub for both economic growth and tourism. Although it is only the fourth largest city in Morocco it seems to have become the most popular destination for many to visit. The souks are an obvious draw, where shyness is a no-no and…
My Star Rating: **** Pages: 156 First Published in 1997 As I mentioned in a previous post, I have decided to return to the world of study albeit from home in my own time. This is not a revelation for family and friends who know me well; my father would…
My Star Rating: ***** Pages: 832 First Published in 2013 & winner of The Man Booker Prize Eleanor Catton has achieved a masterpiece at just 28 years of age: this will be a ‘classic’ of the future, destined to appear on English Literature reading lists in Universities everywhere. Born…